West Point, Mississippi (November 25, 2014) – This week, BattleBells and their American-made steel cowbells represent Mississippi on AOL’s This Built America editorial series.
In 2012 two Mississippi State University alums, John Howell and Stephen Caples, took their Bulldog passion to the next level by producing a durable bell made entirely in The Magnolia State. After early productions from China left the final product lacking, the guys shifted back home. With the support of the local community, the new company forged ties with nearby steel fabricator Long Branch to produce a bell so powerful it comes with its own earplugs.
When speaking of Long Branch owners Ed Todd and Linda Pilley, Caples recalls that, “They gave us a shot, they gave two kids a shot to really make this work.” And it has. With State having a historic season, demand for BattleBells is on the rise. That rise in demand has also injected the decades-old Long Branch with a new found energy.
To see the impact each company has had on the other, visit http://www.thisbuiltamerica.com/mississippi. Or, follow This Built America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.
BattleBells joins a national movement in This Built America that is devoted to supporting American companies and American-made products. AOL is proud to support the effort along with sponsor Ford Trucks. Through the year, the editorial and video teams will explore 50 states in 50 weeks to bring 50 stories of the people who are bringing back manufacturing to America. The platform is produced in coordination with Man Made Content.